New York, New York by Q. Reyes – Artistic Warfare #61
February 28, 2010 Q. Reyes 0 Comments
Currently these words are being typed from somewhere in Brooklyn, New York. This is my first time here and I’m beginning to understand what people are talking about when they say they love New York.
Right now I’m doing real native New York type of things – the nightlife, the pizza, the hot dogs, etc. This week I do plan to do more tourist-like things – Statue of Liberty, Empire State building, etc.
This week it has been snowing like crazy, and I’m glad, because I did bring winter gear that I never get to wear in L.A. I’m loving every minute of the cold weather, and I’m pretty good at walking in the snow.
The truth is that New York in real life looks like it does in the movies. There are brick apartment buildings everywhere and the snow covered leafless trees make it like a scene straight out of a romantic movie.
I could definitively see myself living in a place like this. Of course, I’m sure the novelty of the snow-covered streets will wear off and the hustle and bustle of everyday life would eventually catch up to the visiting excitement, but I feel I can adjust to any situation, and the harder the better.
It also seems everyone I’ve talked to who has been to New York has a recommendation of where to go eat and play. I’m trying to do as much as possible, if not all.
I also like the fact that you can go anywhere here. In L.A., public transportation seems to end as soon as the sun goes down. Also, places here close down at 4 or 5 in the morning. In L.A., you’re lucky to find a spot that closes beyond 1:30 am.
As I write this, I’m getting ready to head out to the city and see what else I discover. I’m open to any suggestions, so please feel free to let me know where to go, who and what to do in New York…
Martha Thomases
February 28, 2010 - 2:52 pm
You’re in NYC and you didn’t call? After all I’ve done for you? Someday, you’ll have children of your own, and then you’ll know what it’s like.
R. Maheras
February 28, 2010 - 3:23 pm
New York City’s great! My wife and I go there whenever we can. And you’re right… the subway/elevated system there is terrific compared to L.A.’s.
Mike Gold
February 28, 2010 - 4:45 pm
Brooklyn shouldn’t even BE in New York. Brooklyn got screwed ROYALLY.
Back in 1898 “New York” was one county that consisted of Manhattan and much of The Bronx. Tammany Hall Democrats had been at odds with the Brooklyn Democratic Organization, competing with them for passage of sundry laws and election of sundry state-wide officials. The best way for Tammany to resolve this was to “invite” Brooklyn to join a “league of Boroughs” that would also include Manhattan, a liberated Bronx, and the rustic Queens and Staten Island. To do this, they had to co-opt the mayor of Brooklyn. They did so by promising the fool he would become New York City’s first mayor.
The idiot fell for it, and one of the nation’s largest cities was literally taken off the map. Several decades later, the hated Robert Moses (sound effect of Mike and Linda Gold spitting at the very mention of his name) completed the process by carving the joint up for his pet projects, not the least of which involved moving the Brooklyn Dodgers to Queens. As in all other things, Moses got his way — in a roundabout manner. The Dodgers moved to Los Angeles and the National League expanded to add a “new” team, the Metropolitans (a name used previously), started playing ball in Queens in a stadium that I believe was named after a middle-American revolutionary doctor.
That was the last vestige of Brooklyn’s unique culture and independence, and we are worse off for it.
Alan Coil
February 28, 2010 - 5:43 pm
Mike, you write about the guy “The idiot fell for it…” as if he were a relative.?.?!
John Tebbel
March 1, 2010 - 7:22 am
And, after all that, Brooklyn rocks. Dozens of great neighborhoods, hills, meadows, beaches, whatever you want and sauce to put on it. Lots of old timers never go into “the city” at all, like ever. See you this spring at the picnic tables outside Randazzo’s, I’m the one with his mug in a soft-shell crab sandwich that makes me look like a make-up extra in Aliens.
Mike Gold
March 1, 2010 - 10:39 am
Alan — I had a relative from Brooklyn who was a total Cubs fan. She was born the year the Cubs last won the World Series, which was ten years after New York City was created. The idiot I’m referring to did NOT get that mayor’s job.
I believe the loss of the City of Brooklyn ultimately created a cultural loss for America. But I’ve got to put half that blame on Robert Moses, who also destroyed The Bronx and, hell, most of NYC.
Bring back Damon Runyon, I say! His NYC was the best. It never existed, but damn, I wish it did.
Shamu
March 1, 2010 - 8:02 pm
Dude-if you would have let me know in advance you could have been writing your piece from a Tribeca loft in lower Manhattan instead of Brooklyn and it would have been free.
D U H
BTW-don’t eat yellow snow.
MOTU
March 1, 2010 - 8:03 pm
Damn that Shamu…
Dude-if you would have let me know in advance you could have been writing your piece from a Tribeca loft in lower Manhattan instead of Brooklyn and it would have been free.
D U H
BTW-don’t eat yellow snow.
Mike Gold
March 2, 2010 - 7:01 am
Shamu — There isn’t a single flake of snow on my property. Sorry.
But, sadly, I do love my snow. I wanna go back to Chicago. And go to Blackhawks games. But I like the idea of living in Tribeca for free. Can we move in?
MOTU
March 2, 2010 - 4:54 pm
Mike,
If I would let anyone stay there it would be you. Free? A few days, sure. Move in? Free?
You funny man you!
I’ll make you a deal, as soon as Obama says to the GOP, “I’m the HNIC, BITCH!” It’s yours…but he has to use the word BITCH and spell out what HNIC means.
Alan Coil
March 2, 2010 - 9:24 pm
Oh, the GOP already knows what the N stands for.
Mike Gold
March 3, 2010 - 6:45 am
I don’t think Obama has realized he’s actually in charge yet. Come to think of it, I guess were I him I’d have a hard time believing it too.
Keu, The Talent
March 3, 2010 - 6:59 am
Okay… I guess my simple post asking for suggestions of cool places to go in New York was misunderstood and turned into a conversation about the GOP. How did this happen???? I just wanted a good place to eat in the city, people!!!
Mike Gold
March 3, 2010 - 8:20 am
Wrong room. We can change anything into politics. It’s a gift.
Try out Katz’s Deli on Houston Street in the Lower East Side. Awesome hand-cut corned beef, but the real beauty is that you’re walking into a time warp: the place really hasn’t changed since it opened 125 years ago — except for refrigeration.
If you’re looking for first-class Texas barbecue, I recommend Hill Country on 26th Street in Manhattan. Particularly their prime rib.
Martha Thomases
March 3, 2010 - 8:34 am
Shopsins! But you’ll need to go with me.
McCarthy
March 3, 2010 - 1:36 pm
Dok Suni’s
119 First Ave., New York, NY 10003
212-477-9506
Near 7th street. Cash only.
Korean food. They do a good job there.
Mike Gold
March 3, 2010 - 4:27 pm
I’ve been to Dok Suni’s, and I second the recommendation!
Damn, now I’m hungry.
Whitney
March 4, 2010 - 1:00 pm
SHAMELESS GENETIC PLUG: My little sis is starring in Twyla Tharp’s “Come Fly Away” that’s opening up on Broadway the third week of March. If you are going to be there till then, you should go!
Go to Junior’s on Flatbush in Brooklyn for cheesecake…
R. Maheras
March 4, 2010 - 1:00 pm
The best corned beef I’ve ever had was at The Carnegie Deli — and I’ve been to a lot of delis over the years.
Here’s the info: 854 7th Avenue at 55th Street, New York, New York, 10019; Phone: 212-757-2245
Mike Gold
March 4, 2010 - 3:18 pm
Carnegie Deli’s absolutely great. Three important notes, thought:
1) There’s often a long wait for tables, and the line goes out the door.
2) They don’t take plastic, but they might be the only reasonably priced restaurant in all Manhattan.
3) That awesome corned beef sandwich? It’s bigger than your head. I once took Mike Grell there and his eyes fell out of their sockets.
MOTU
March 6, 2010 - 9:35 pm
The Rib Shack in Jamaica Queens!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mike Gold
March 7, 2010 - 4:31 pm
Never been there. Take me, next time you’re back East. I haven’t had really GREAT ribs out East, ever. Most folks out here don’t know the difference between St. Louis Ribs and Baby Backs.
Damn. I’m hungry again.
MOTU
March 7, 2010 - 7:25 pm
Mike Gold said,
“Never been there. Take me, next time you’re back East.”
So, let it be written, so let it be done!